Grandville Jenison Chamber Of Commercehttps://grandjen.com
Grandville Jenison Chamber Of CommerceFri, 15 May 2020 16:32:30 +0000en-US
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1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.4.1100746381Sylvan Learning Assessments and Summer Campshttps://grandjen.com/sylvan-learning-assessments-and-summer-camps/
Fri, 15 May 2020 15:39:01 +0000https://grandjen.com/?p=9548Schooling from home is the new normal, but the new normal doesn’t have to mean learning loss. For parents who are concerned about their child’s education and need some hope and sanity, it is time to team up with Sylvan Learning this summer. Sylvan Learning has been providing personalized educational learning for more than 40 years and we are […]

]]>Schooling from home is the new normal, but the new normal doesn’t have to mean learning loss.

For parents who are concerned about their child’s education and need some hope and sanity, it is time to team up with Sylvan Learning this summer. Sylvan Learning has been providing personalized educational learning for more than 40 years and we are able to get your child on track this summer. Now is the perfect time for a student to gain lost ground. Summer tutoring can help your child to enjoy learning so that they will be more confident and prepared for success in the fall. Our personalized and comprehensive academic assessment is the first step to understanding your child’s status and this first step is only $25 for a limited time. All assessment fees are being donated to a local food pantry and children of first responders receive a free assessment. Let us provide the information you need so that you can make an informed decision on next steps for your child.

Additionally in June, Sylvan will be offering both live and online academic mini-camps. These are fun and exciting academic camps that will keep students engaged in learning over the summer. I have attached the summer camp flyer and was wondering if you would be so kind and share this flyer electronically to your Chamber community? Many parents are looking for a way to engage their children with educational and fun camp programs during the summer.

For more information or to answer questions, please call us direct at 616-957-4617 or visit our website at sylvanlearning.com.

]]>9546UCOM Donation Requesthttps://grandjen.com/ucom-donation-request/
Mon, 13 Apr 2020 18:41:16 +0000https://grandjen.com/?p=9463I emailed you last week to talk about urgent needs due to COVID-19. I want to make sure you didn’t miss the message. You wouldn’t normally get an urgent appeal from me like this. These are not normal times. DONATE NOW This virus is forcing families to the edge of disaster by devastating their income. Will you please […]

I emailed you last week to talk about urgent needs due to COVID-19. I want to make sure you didn’t miss the message. You wouldn’t normally get an urgent appeal from me like this. These are not normal times.

This virus is forcing families to the edge of disaster by devastating their income.

Will you please make an urgent gift of $35 to provide emergency food for your neighbors?

I just got off the phone from speaking with a worried neighbor, Tom. He is trying to file for unemployment and has been out of work for over two weeks. The number of people out of work has overwhelmed the unemployment phone line and website and he hasn’t been able to get through to file. He needs food today to feed his family, and he needs YOU!

Your donation now will provide emergency food to a dad, like Tom who’s unable to pay all of his bills. You save his family from being hungry in this uncertain time.

Already today we have gotten more phone calls from other worried dads, like Tom. Their jobs are at risk or they aren’t working at all. Kids are out of school. Plus grocery store shelves don’t have all the items families need to get by. This is no time to be without food and cleaning products. With over two weeks to go until the stay home order expires, we know the phone calls will keep coming. Neighbors need you now more than ever!

We didn’t budget for this, we had no way to know this was coming! There are no funds in our budget to meet this unexpected need. But your gift today will provide instant relief to Tom’s family and countless others.

Your action is needed now. Please make your gift at https://www.ucomgr.org/donate-now to provide emergency food assistance. You’ll help keep a dad and his kids from wondering if they’ll have enough food for one week … and every day counts right now.

]]>9463Love INC: What’s Next When You Lose Your Job Because of COVID-19?https://grandjen.com/love-inc-whats-next-when-you-lose-your-job-because-of-covid-19/
Wed, 25 Mar 2020 17:34:32 +0000https://grandjen.com/?p=9359What’s Next When You Lose Your Job Because of COVID-19? A Guide to Unemployment Benefits and Strategic Living During Unemployment Apply for unemployment benefits. Even if you’re not sure that you qualify – many restrictions have been lifted. *Log on to https://miwam.unemployment.state.mi.us/ClmMiWAM/_/ to apply online. *To apply by phone, call 1-866-500-0017 *Consider having taxes taken […]

]]>What’s Next When You Lose Your Job Because of COVID-19?
A Guide to Unemployment Benefits and Strategic Living During Unemployment

Apply for unemployment benefits.
Even if you’re not sure that you qualify – many restrictions have been lifted.
*Log on to https://miwam.unemployment.state.mi.us/ClmMiWAM/_/ to apply online.
*To apply by phone, call 1-866-500-0017
*Consider having taxes taken out of your benefit check, as this benefit is considered income and is taxable.Prioritize your bills.
*Although there may be protections against foreclosure or eviction, make every effort to stay current on your rent or mortgage. If you miss payments during this, you may incur additional fees, or be required to make higher rent payments after you return to work. You will have to pay the rent/mortgage payment when this situation is over.
*Pay as much as you can toward your utilities. Yes, many areas are suspending shut offs, but you will still owe the money after this event.
*Reduce bills where you can. If you will not be driving, you may be able to reduce your insurance to storage or low mileage options, you may be able to suspend cable or entertainment packages, etc. If you have questions or need help prioritizing, call Love INC: 616-662-3300.
*Reach out to all of your lenders to let them know you are out of work. The more they know, the higher the chance they will work with you. Make sure you tell them you are laid off due to COVID19.Look for temporary or part-time jobs.
*Even a part-time job will pay more than unemployment.
*Grocery stores, gas stations, and delivery services are still in operation and looking for help.
*This will decrease your unemployment benefit check amount; however, you will more than likely have more income if you are able to work during this event as unemployment is a fraction of normal “take-home” pay.Use available resources for food and other necessities.
* Schools are distributing meals to families in their districts.
*Love INC has three emergency food distribution sites in local churches. Visit loveinthenameofchrist.org for more information.
*Call Love INC and/or 211 to find resources available to your family in your area.Pay attention to your emotional health.
Dealing with the stresses of being unemployed and dealing with a national health crisis is hard and will be hard on your emotional and mental health. Reach out via phone, FaceTime, text or other technology and talk to those in your life who are alone right now –or if you need to talk to someone. Take care of yourself, and practice patience with others. If you find this overwhelming, you are not alone. Reach out for help:
*Contact CMH in Ottawa County: (616) 393-5698
*Contact Network 180: (616) 336-3765

]]>9359Love INC and Church Updateshttps://grandjen.com/love-inc-and-church-updates/
Wed, 25 Mar 2020 17:26:27 +0000https://grandjen.com/?p=9356Our community has been supportive, but we are in new territory, with profound needs. We welcome any support from our neighbors and local businesses. With individuals unable to work and kids at home, experts are telling us that community needs will double each week for the next month. We are working closely with local churches, with three of […]

Our community has been supportive, but we are in new territory, with profound needs. We welcome any support from our neighbors and local businesses. With individuals unable to work and kids at home, experts are telling us that community needs will double each week for the next month.

We are working closely with local churches, with three of them hosting an emergency, drive-through food pantry. As the weeks progress we are expecting more requests concerning rent, mortgages, utilities, medical bills, etc.

Tuesdays & Thursdays 4pm-7pm

]]>9356Meals on Wheels Western Michigan Volunteers Neededhttps://grandjen.com/meals-on-wheels-western-michigan-volunteers-needed/
Fri, 13 Mar 2020 20:15:34 +0000https://grandjen.com/?p=9339WE NEED YOUR HELP! Things are changing so quickly and we need to have two weeks of shelf stable food for our seniors to put in their pantries. Many of our volunteers come from local businesses and schools, who are not currently able to volunteer as a group. We want to form our own Chamber Group to […]

Things are changing so quickly and we need to have two weeks of shelf stable food for our seniors to put in their pantries. Many of our volunteers come from local businesses and schools, who are not currently able to volunteer as a group.

We want to form our own Chamber Group to fill this void. Can you volunteer on:

Wednesday, March 18th, between the hours of 9 and 4

Thursday, March 19th between the hours of 9 and 4

Friday, March 20th between the hours of 9 and 4

You do not have to stay the entire time. A shift of an hour is just fine. Of course, we cannot have any volunteers who are not feeling well or have traveled out of the country recently. Also, due to safety concerns, no one under the age of 14.

Grandville Jenison Chamber members are the best! You have always been there for your neighbors and we know this will be no exception. Please email your availability and we will get back to you with specific days and times. Volunteer Coordinator Krissy Thomas kthomas@mowwm.org

]]>9339United Church Outreach Ministries (UCOM)https://grandjen.com/united-church-outreach-ministries-ucom/
Fri, 13 Mar 2020 19:17:21 +0000https://grandjen.com/?p=9335United Church Outreach Ministries values individuals and builds community in southwest Kent County by providing material and educational assistance to meet basic needs, improve quality of life, and promote self-sufficiency. In this time of uncertainty people need our assistance, please see below the current needs: Monetary donations are always welcome at http://ucomgr.org as we anticipate an […]

]]>United Church Outreach Ministries values individuals and builds community in southwest Kent County by providing material and educational assistance to meet basic needs, improve quality of life, and promote self-sufficiency.

In this time of uncertainty people need our assistance, please see below the current needs:

Monetary donations are always welcome at http://ucomgr.org as we anticipate an increase in families in need. Bars of soap, decks of cards, or children’s activity materials would be appreciated. With the children at home for the coming weeks we would love to be able to send something additional home with each family to help make their time more fulfilling. We may need additional volunteers to deliver food to seniors or neighbors without transportation.

We are committed to serving the community in this challenging time and know that if we all act as if everyone is in this together West Michigan can show the world how loving neighbors care for each other.

]]>9335Hand2Hand Emergency Food Informationhttps://grandjen.com/hand2hand-emergency-food-information/
Fri, 13 Mar 2020 16:43:14 +0000https://grandjen.com/?p=9324It is an uncertain time for all of us but especially to our under resourced Hand2Hand students as schools close for an extended period of time. I want to share with you how the school closures will not impact Hand2Hand food distribution to our kids. Hand2Hand is mobilized and ready to move because of our […]

It is an uncertain time for all of us but especially to our under resourced Hand2Hand students as schools close for an extended period of time.

I want to share with you how the school closures will not impact Hand2Hand food distribution to our kids.

Hand2Hand is mobilized and ready to move because of our model of partnering a local school with their local church.

Many have reached out to see how they can help at this time. If you would like to donate, we ask that you give a financial donation and not food, due to our buying power as well as the implications from too many people handling the food. It also will help us be more efficient and receive the exact number of each item we are in need of. Our secure link: h2hkids.org/donate

We are working with each school regarding their preference of distribution at this time, so we do not know how many additional volunteers we may need. However if you are interested in volunteer opportunities, we have provided a sign up sheet on our website https://h2hkids.org

Thank you for your support of Hand2Hand. We are so grateful for our partnerships as we are now feeding 7,833 kids in 208 schools. It’s because of the faithful and generous donations in the past that we are equipped and able to continue feeding hungry students during emergency situations.

]]>9324Community Awards 2020https://grandjen.com/community-awards-2020/
Fri, 28 Feb 2020 18:06:20 +0000https://grandjen.com/?p=9104APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED!! The Grandville Jenison Chamber Community Awards is a chance for the chamber to recognize and celebrate amazing residents in our community, both young and young at heart, who volunteer their time and talents and give so selflessly to their fellow neighbors. Below are the award descriptions and criteria. Deadline to turn in […]

The Grandville Jenison Chamber Community Awards is a chance for the chamber to recognize and celebrate amazing residents in our community, both young and young at heart, who volunteer their time and talents and give so selflessly to their fellow neighbors. Below are the award descriptions and criteria. Deadline to turn in nomination forms is Friday April 24

Jenison Citizen of the Year” and Grandville Citizen of the Year

Nominee has made a significant contribution of concern to the social work profession such as at-risk or vulnerable populations; quality of life in communities; social issues. Demonstrates outstanding leadership. Exemplifies social work values and ethics. Must currently reside in Grandville or Jenison.

Activities or significant contributions that resulted in the improvement and quality of life for the residents and/or businesses of the Grandville/Jenison/Georgetown Township Community.
A judging panel comprised of community leaders and members of the Chamber Board of Directors shall review each nomination and select a winner.

Name of Nominee

Choose City of Nominee

Address

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

Identify the contribution for which you nominate the person above. The nominee must have given extraordinarily of private resources (time, talent, money, career, etc.). *

Recognizes outstanding achievement in, and contributions to, public administration and public service serving the Grandville Jenison Communities. Service may be tied to any public service environment (example; elected officials, police, fire, ambulance and government employees) that serves the Grandville Jenison Communities.

Currently serves in a public service environment — local, state, federal, serving the boundaries of the Grandville Jenison Chamber.

Candidates will be assessed on the extent to which they have made a sustained contribution to innovative, effective, and/or inspirational practice. Candidates must have consistently demonstrated ethical behavior in public service. Specific standards should include one or more of the following:

Innovation/creativity – The development and implementation of innovative programs or processes that positively impacted an organization.

Leadership – Ability to inspire, problem-solve, and move an organization forward while working productively with colleagues; a personal commitment to and demonstration of standards of excellence including the highest ethical standards.

Impact – Demonstrated accomplishments that have positively impacted their organization and or community.

Operational excellence – The implementation of significant changes or processes that enhanced work productivity, efficiency, effectiveness, and quality

I Nominate *

First

Last

Their Address

Their Phone and/or Email:

My Name *

First

Last

My preferred contact:

My relationship to Nominee

Please provide a detailed description how your nominee has signified the qualities of the award criteria.

Your Email *

Good Neighbor Award

This award acknowledges and thanks those who continually demonstrate generosity, kindness and consideration towards their neighbors. We all know a a neighbor you can always count on. Whether your car won’t start, they plow your driveway or just are always there to say hello with a smile on their face, we would love to recognize them.

This award will be presented to one (1) resident or couple that reside in either Grandville or Jenison.

Nominees will not be considered for this award if their nomination involved monetary compensation or fulfilling duties of their employment.

I Nominate *

First

Last

Their Address, Phone and/or Email:

My Name *

First

Last

My Email and Phone

My relationship to Nominee

Please provide a detailed description on why your neighbor should receive the Good Neighbor Award.

]]>9104Community Leadership Scholarshipshttps://grandjen.com/community-leadership-scholarships/
Mon, 24 Feb 2020 20:09:14 +0000https://grandjen.com/?p=9088Grandville Community $1000 & Ted terHaar Memorial $1000 Community Leadership Scholarships Application Deadline Monday, March 23 at 3:30 pm To be considered you must be a high school senior at any area high school. Applicants must reside in the Grandville or Jenison school district or be a child of a Grandville Jenison Chamber member. Applying students should be attending […]

To be considered you must be a high school senior at any area high school. Applicants must reside in the Grandville or Jenison school district or be a child of a Grandville Jenison Chamber member. Applying students should be attending college in the fall and demonstrated Community Leadership (in your community, church, school or work) with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

To apply for a scholarship, please submit the following:
A copy of your High School Transcript or your Educational Development Plan (EDP)
A list of your co-curricular/extra-curricular activities
A list of additional Scholarships you have been awarded, if any
A written nomination from a teacher or counselor
A 1-2 page typed double spaced essay addressing the statement below:‘Explain a situation where you served as a leader how did your leadership impact the community or yourself.”

Along with your name and email, parent name (s) and email, Address and phone number. Please include your college plans.

Recipients will be chosen by the Grandville Jenison Chamber of Commerce scholarship committee. Winners will be notified on Thursday, April 2 and will be honored at an award ceremony on Thursday April 30 at Celebration Cinema Rivertown.

Email heather@grandjen.com or call 616.531.8890 if you have any quesitons